Series Review: Heartland

06/04/15

Why I have not yet posted a review or news about Heartland I will never know. For it is one of my all-time favorite television series and I am proud to spread the word about it here on my blog.

Most dramas set in present day leave much to be desired. From questionable ethics and re-run storylines that leave you wondering if all that exist in the world are sit-coms, soap operas, cop shows, and cheesy romances, its hard to find the diamonds among the rocks. And after eight successful seasons and another on the way this coming fall, I can definitely say that Heartland is one of those diamonds.

PLOT  

Amy Fleming, a sprightly horse-loving teenager, lives with her mother and grandfather on a sprawling Alberta, Canada, ranch named Heartland where her mother helps to heal horses and return them to their owners who have since lost all hope. Yet when tragedy leaves Amy all alone to pick up the pieces and move on to find her own way, she discovers that her calling may just lie in the wake of what her late mother left behind. Furthermore, she must comes to terms and find healing with the very horse her mother died to save. With the return of her older sister Samantha Louise ("Lou") and the arrival a troubled teen named Ty Borden whom Amy's mother had promised to help before her death, Amy is faced with more than she dared hope for. But with the love of family and a purpose in helping hurting horses, Amy will discover a life she never had thought possible and a love that covers all.

CONTENT

In the most recent seasons, Heartland has not contained very much language whatsoever. But viewers must be aware that the beginning seasons did have some. Not a lot but some. Nothing heavier than the H or D words are present. If you watch on UPTV though, they have done a great job of taking any of the language out. Kudos to them! But if you watch on DVD, please be aware. Unlike other secular dramas though, the presence of language in the series is not a major focus and doesn't effect the series greatly. But it is still unnecessary of course. As stated, the more recent seasons have contained little to no bad language. No sexual content is ever seen onscreen beyond kisses. Some implied comments are sometimes made. But Grandpa Jack usually keeps them all in line. No nudity at all except cleavage in some scenes scattered throughout series. Drinking beer is present as is somewhat usual among the secular western cowboy culture. Smoking is present in the pilot but is presented as wrongful. No drug use. Characters have good moral views and are adamant about doing the right thing. On a scale from one to five, my rating is 4.

MY THOUGHTS

Heartland is one of the best modern day dramas ever produced. The writers and producers have done a splendid job of bridging modern life and old-fashioned values and a nearly by-gone way of life into one. Living on ranch is not all that popular anymore. But I think this series is helping to show the world that a simpler way of life still exists. Well, not that life around Heartland has been anything but simple over the past eight seasons! But what helps resolve all conflicts at the end of the day is the bond of family and the support of those who love and encourage you. Heartland reinforces the importance of a family and has strong characters who although they struggle in most areas of life like everyone else, they have a good foundation and right relationships to turn to. As viewers follow the characters' journeys, they will be able to relate to one character or another in some way and find comfort in the escape from the modern hustle and bustle of life.



It took me quite a while to find this out, but Heartland's leading writer also wrote much of Road to Avonlea. So although this is set in modern times, the series contains a nostalgic escape and emotional journey that viewers will enjoy. It contains well-constructed plots, good quality cinematography, talented acting, and wonderful values that make it a series you do not want to miss out on.

If you would like to find out more about this wonderful, high-quality family television series, visit the official Heartland website or UPTV's official page. And please be warned that if you have not yet watched the series, you will see many spoilers on each of these sites.

"You do what's best for your family even if it's the hardest thing you've ever done."

- Jack Bartlett